Fijiana 15’s Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has selected his 32-member squad for the Rugby World Cup which begins in New Zealand next month.
The traveling party consists of 23 local provincial players, 15 of whom played for the Fijiana Drua that won the Super W Championship in their inaugural outing this year. The team also has six overseas-based players and six Fijiana 7s players who were part of the national team that won the bronze medal at the Olympic Games last year and the silver medal at the recent Commonwealth Games.
“It was so hard to select the best 32 players going to the Rugby World Cup. I had discussions with the other coaches as it was important to understand their thoughts and did a thorough review of all our matches before we made our final selections and put the names down for those traveling to New Zealand,” Seruvakula said.
Jade Coates and Vani Arei have not been selected due to medical reasons, but the former is still in with a chance as an injury cover when she completes her rehab in two weeks’ time.
“So she will be in New Zealand and in case of any injury then we will bring her into the team.”
Seruvakula said they were blessed to play four Test matches this year which set the platform for these girls.
“The big test for us was last week against Wahine Maori and also the two Test matches we played earlier in the year against Wallaroos and Japan. It was good to play these matches which gave the players the much-needed exposure and then an idea to us on their level of performance” said Seruvakula.
“A lot of girls have stepped up as far as their performance is concerned. These girls have experience playing at the international level, they just need the confidence to play on the world stage.
Eight-cap No.8 Sereima Leweniqila will captain the side. She is one of the most senior players on the team, having played in almost all Test matches and qualifiers for the Fijiana 15s since 2016.
“She has been one of the stand-out players and she had played a lot of games for Fijiana and that’s one of the reasons why we have decided her to be the captain and she got the backing of the senior players,” said Seruvakula.
The Fijiana 15’s travels to New Zealand on Sunday.
Fijiana 15’s World Cup Squad:
- Joma Rubuti
- Bitila Tawake
- Mereoni Vonosere
- Asinate Serevi
- Sulita Waisega
- Karalaini Naisewa
- Ema Adivitaloga
- Sereima Leweniqila {Captain}
- Ana Maria Roqica
- Merewalesi Rokouono
- Vitalina Naikore
- Akanisi Sokoiwasa
- Raijieli Laqeretabua
- Ilisapeci Delaiwau
- Alowesi Nakoci
- Jiowana Sauto
- Iris Verebalavu
- Bulou Vasuturaga
- Merevesi Ofakimalino
- Akosita Ravato
- Rusila Nagasau
- Timaima Ravisa
- Roela Radiniyavuni
- Siteri Rasolea
- Vika Matarugu
- Raijieli Daveua
- Kolora Lomani
- Melaia Matanatabu
- Ana Maria Naimasi
- Talei Wilson
- Sesenieli Donu
- Lavena Cavuru
Management
- Senirusi Seruvakula Head Coach
- Asaeli Tikoirotuma Backs Coach
- Greg Smith Scrums Coach
- Inoke Male Line-Out Coach
- Mosese Rauluni Defence Coach
- Jeniffer Khalik Team Physio
- Isimeli Naulumatua Assistant Physio
- Dr Jone Nasome Team Doctor
- Tikiko Namaua Team Trainer
- Sanaila Vitau Assistant Trainer
- Vashneel Prasad Media Manager
- Josua Vuto Video Analyst
- Talei Mow Team Manager
Rugby World Cup Fixtures
| 8th October, 2022 Saturday 16:45 | Fijiana V England | Eden Park, Auckland |
| 16th October, 2022 Sunday 17:45 | Fijiana V South Africa | Waitakere Stadium, Auckland |
| 22nd October, 2022 Saturday 19:15 | Fijiana V France | Northland Events Center, Whangarei |
